Are you craving a delicious, comforting dinner that you can whip up in just 30 minutes? Look no further than this Homemade Hamburger Helper recipe! This easy, one-pot meal features tender pasta enveloped in a rich, cheesy tomato sauce, and it’s ready to serve in no time. Perfect for busy weeknights, this recipe combines savory ground beef (or turkey) with a creamy, cheesy sauce for a family-friendly dish that everyone will love.
Ingredients:
1 pound lean ground beef or turkey
1 large yellow onion, diced
2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
1 garlic clove, minced
2 cups low-sodium beef or chicken broth
1 (8 oz) can tomato sauce
1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
1 teaspoon seasoned salt
1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
8 oz small pasta shells or elbow pasta
1/2 cup heavy cream or half-and-half
2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
Salt and pepper, to taste
Directions:
Brown the Beef: In a large sauté pan over medium-high heat, brown the ground beef. Remove the beef and set aside, leaving 2 tablespoons of grease in the pan.
Cook the Vegetables: Add the diced onion to the pan and cook until soft, about 5 minutes. Add minced garlic and cook for an additional 30 seconds.
Create the Sauce: Stir in the flour and cook for 1 minute. Gradually add the beef broth, bringing it to a boil.
Simmer the Pasta: Add the tomato sauce, Italian seasoning, seasoned salt, smoked paprika, garlic powder, and pasta. Simmer covered for 12-15 minutes, or until the pasta is tender.
Finish the Dish: Stir in the heavy cream and shredded cheddar cheese until melted and combined. Return the cooked beef to the pan and cook for an additional 2-3 minutes.
Serving Tips:
Garnish: For added flavor and color, garnish your Hamburger Helper with fresh chopped parsley or a sprinkle of extra shredded cheddar cheese.
Accompaniments: Serve with a side salad or steamed vegetables to balance the meal. Garlic bread or crusty rolls also pair well with the cheesy sauce.
Portion Size: This recipe typically serves 4. Adjust portion sizes according to your needs or increase the recipe to feed a larger group.
Storage Tips:
Refrigeration: Store leftover Homemade Hamburger Helper in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. Make sure to let the dish cool to room temperature before transferring it to the container.
Freezing: For longer storage, you can freeze the leftovers. Place the cooled Hamburger Helper in a freezer-safe container or zip-top bag. It will keep in the freezer for up to 2-3 months. Be sure to label the container with the date for reference.
Reheating: To reheat, thaw frozen Hamburger Helper in the refrigerator overnight. Reheat in a skillet over medium heat, stirring occasionally, until heated through. You can also reheat it in the microwave, but be sure to stir occasionally for even heating. Add a splash of milk or cream if the sauce has thickened too much during storage.
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- Easy Hamburger Rice Casserole
- Hamburger Potato Casserole
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FAQs:
Can I use ground turkey or chicken instead of ground beef?
Yes, you can substitute ground turkey or chicken for ground beef in this recipe. The flavors will be slightly different, but it will still be delicious. Just be sure to cook the poultry thoroughly and drain any excess fat to avoid a greasy dish.
Can I make Homemade Hamburger Helper ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare Homemade Hamburger Helper ahead of time. Cook the dish as directed and allow it to cool completely. Store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. You can also freeze it for up to 2-3 months. Reheat thoroughly before serving.
What type of pasta works best for this recipe?
Small pasta shells or elbow pasta work best for this recipe because they hold the sauce well. However, you can use other small pasta shapes like penne or rotini if you prefer. Just be sure to adjust the cooking time if using a different type of pasta.
Can I use a different type of cheese in this recipe?
Yes, you can substitute the shredded cheddar cheese with other types of cheese, such as mozzarella, Monterey Jack, or a blend of your favorites. Keep in mind that different cheeses may alter the flavor and texture of the sauce, but they will still be delicious.
Conclusion:
This Homemade Hamburger Helper is not only easy to make but also incredibly satisfying. The combination of ground beef, tender pasta, and a creamy cheese sauce is sure to please even the pickiest eaters. Plus, it’s a fantastic option for meal prep or a quick dinner after a long day. Enjoy a comforting meal with minimal cleanup and maximum flavor!
📖 Recipe:
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Homemade Hamburger Helper
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
Description
Homemade Hamburger Helper is a quick and cheesy one-pot meal perfect for busy weeknights. Featuring tender pasta and savory ground beef in a rich tomato and cheese sauce, this comforting dish is ready in just 30 minutes. Ideal for a family-friendly dinner, it’s easy to make and packed with flavor.
Ingredients
1 pound lean ground beef or turkey
1 large yellow onion, diced
1 garlic clove, minced
2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
2 cups low-sodium beef or chicken broth
1 (8 oz) can tomato sauce
1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
1 teaspoon seasoned salt
1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
8 oz small pasta shells or elbow pasta
1/2 cup heavy cream or half-and-half
2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
Salt and pepper, to taste
Instructions
- Brown the Beef: In a large sauté pan over medium-high heat, brown the ground beef. Remove and set aside, leaving 2 tablespoons of grease in the pan.
- Cook the Vegetables: Add the diced onion to the pan and cook until soft, about 5 minutes. Add minced garlic and cook for an additional 30 seconds.
- Create the Sauce: Stir in the flour and cook for 1 minute. Gradually add the beef broth, bringing it to a boil.
- Simmer the Pasta: Add the tomato sauce, Italian seasoning, seasoned salt, smoked paprika, garlic powder, and pasta. Simmer covered for 12-15 minutes, or until the pasta is tender.
- Finish the Dish: Stir in the heavy cream and shredded cheddar cheese until melted and combined. Return the cooked beef to the pan and cook for an additional 2-3 minutes.
Notes
For a lighter version, you can substitute ground turkey or chicken for the beef.
Adjust the cheese type based on your preference for a different flavor profile.
Add a splash of milk or cream if the sauce thickens too much during storage.
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 4 servings
- Calories: 738 kcal per servin
